Invasive Species We Study: Invasive Carp Active
Bighead, black, grass, and silver carp are sometimes referred to collectively as invasive carp. The term invasive carp replaced Asian carp in 2021. which are native to China, were originally stocked in aquaculture facilities to control algae, snails, and vegetation. These species have invaded the Mississippi River and are now established throughout the lower and middle Mississippi River Basins and some of its large tributaries where they damage ecosystems and harm economies.
USGS is leading research efforts on risk assessment and early detection of new invasions. USGS is also developing and evaluating harvest methods, barriers and deterrents, and baits/attractants to provide Federal and State management agencies the tools needed to manage and reduce populations of these species.
Invasive Carp Research
Chemical Attractant Investigations to Increase Aggregation and Harvest for the Control of Asian Carp
Assessment of Acoustic Stimuli for Manipulating Movement of Bigheaded Carps
River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics
Species Studied by the Western Fisheries Research Center
Assessment of newly developed acoustic stimuli for manipulating movement of bigheaded carps
Black Carp Biology, Assessment, and Control
Early Life History of Bighead, Silver, Black, and Grass Carps
Invasive Carp Species Section
Benthic Mapping – Illinois River Benthic Mapping to Support Invasive Asian Carp Research
Screening toxic compounds using cellular assays
Evaluation of a broadband sound as a deterrent for bigheaded carps at the Emiquon Preserve (Lewistown, Illinois)
Development of Chemical Tools to Control Invasive Carp and Dreissenid Mussels
Recent data (2020-2022) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp data is available from the button below.
Recent publications (2020-2022) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp publications is available from the button below.
Identifying sources and year classes contributing to invasive grass carp in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Validation of the model-predicted spawning area of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella in the Sandusky River
Tests in a semi-natural environment suggest that bait and switch strategy could be used to control invasive Common Carp
Aquatic invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay drainage—Research-based needs and priorities of U.S. Geological Survey partners and collaborators
Developmental ecomorphology of the epibranchial organ of the silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Evaluating the potential role of bioactive chemicals on the distribution of invasive Asian carp upstream and downstream from river mile 278 in the Illinois waterway
Using decision analysis to collaboratively respond to invasive species threats: A case study of Lake Erie grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
"Modified Unified Method" of carp capture
USGS Illinois River monitoring and evaluation
Asian carp population modeling to support an adaptive management framework
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Columbia River Basin
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Rio Grande Basin
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- Overview
Bighead, black, grass, and silver carp are sometimes referred to collectively as invasive carp. The term invasive carp replaced Asian carp in 2021. which are native to China, were originally stocked in aquaculture facilities to control algae, snails, and vegetation. These species have invaded the Mississippi River and are now established throughout the lower and middle Mississippi River Basins and some of its large tributaries where they damage ecosystems and harm economies.
USGS is leading research efforts on risk assessment and early detection of new invasions. USGS is also developing and evaluating harvest methods, barriers and deterrents, and baits/attractants to provide Federal and State management agencies the tools needed to manage and reduce populations of these species.
Invasive Carp ResearchFilter Total Items: 61Chemical Attractant Investigations to Increase Aggregation and Harvest for the Control of Asian Carp
Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis , hereafter referred to as bigheaded carps, are rapidly expanding their range. Federal agencies and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are focused on keeping invasive carps out of the Great Lakes. The development of an effective attractant may assist managers with capturing carps in low-density areas such...Assessment of Acoustic Stimuli for Manipulating Movement of Bigheaded Carps
Invasive Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis , hereafter referred to as bigheaded carps, have displayed a negative phonotactic response when presented with a broadband acoustic stimulus. Additional study is needed to identify effective acoustic stimuli for manipulating bigheaded carp behavior, and to test bigheaded carp responses to those stimuli in...River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics
River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics research seeks to improve the scientific basis for ecological restoration of large rivers. Emphasis is placed on understanding how hydrologic and geomorphic characteristics combine to create dynamic habitats for native and exotic fauna and flora.Species Studied by the Western Fisheries Research Center
Many species are studied at the Western Fisheries Research Center. These species include bacteria, birds, fish, invertebrates, parasites, plants, and viruses. The list contains both common and scientific names, and where each are being studied on the WFRC landscape.Assessment of newly developed acoustic stimuli for manipulating movement of bigheaded carps
Bigheaded carps, like other cyprinids, have specialized structures known as Weberian ossicles that increase their hearing range and sensitivity. Recent results from controlled laboratory studies have indicated that playback of a recording of an outboard boat motor was effective at altering silver and bighead carp behavior.Black Carp Biology, Assessment, and Control
Black Carp ( Mylopharyngodon piceus ) is the largest of the four non-indigenous carp species, reaching sizes well in excess of 100 pounds. CERC scientists, in cooperation with federal and state partners, are studying the biology, ecology, and behavior of black carp and developing tools to monitor, assess, and control this non-indigenous species.Early Life History of Bighead, Silver, Black, and Grass Carps
Grass, bighead, black, and silver carps spawn in turbulent rivers and their eggs develop and hatch while drifting downriver. The larvae also have a short period of developing in the drift, and then they must swim from the river and find appropriate low- or no-flow nursery areas. Rivers which are not long enough, turbulent enough, or without nursery areas in the correct locations are not likely to...Invasive Carp Species Section
Bighead carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ) and the closely related silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ) (together, the bigheaded carps) and black carp ( Mylopharyngodon piceus ) are rapidly expanding in numbers and distribution in the Mississippi and Missouri River basins.Benthic Mapping – Illinois River Benthic Mapping to Support Invasive Asian Carp Research
According to the 2016 Monitoring and Response Plan for Asian carp in the Mississippi River Basin, there is little to no information regarding Asian carp behavior and habitat use in invaded areas (1). There are some studies and anecdotal information showing that Asian carp are occurring in certain macrohabitats, specifically the main channel border during low summer flows and backwaters during...Screening toxic compounds using cellular assays
This study is designed to be a high-throughput alternative to traditional methods of using whole fish assays to screen compounds for toxicity. This approach involves an initial pre-screening of a chemical databank to select molecules possessing characteristics identified as predictive criteria for potential toxicity to the fathead minnow, followed by cytotoxicity screening of selected compounds...Evaluation of a broadband sound as a deterrent for bigheaded carps at the Emiquon Preserve (Lewistown, Illinois)
Expansion of bigheaded carps Hypophthalmichthys spp. throughout North American waterways have prompted the need for control systems that can alter their movement and/or behavior. The avoidance response of bigheaded carps to the sound of an outboard motor (0.06-10 kHz) has lead researchers to investigate sound as a means to manipulate their movements.Development of Chemical Tools to Control Invasive Carp and Dreissenid Mussels
Over 180 and 140 aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been introduced into the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River basins, respectively, with threats of new invasions always on the horizon. Sea lamprey, zebra mussels, and invasive carps are just a few examples of AIS whose abilities to alter aquatic habitats and disrupt food cycles threaten many outdoor recreation opportunities and ecosystems... - Data
Recent data (2020-2022) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp data is available from the button below.
Filter Total Items: 17No Result Found - Publications
Recent publications (2020-2022) related to USGS invasive carp research are listed below. A complete listing of USGS invasive carp publications is available from the button below.
Filter Total Items: 37Identifying sources and year classes contributing to invasive grass carp in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Relative contributions of aquaculture-origin and naturally-reproduced grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the Laurentian Great Lakes have been unknown. We assessed occurrence and distribution of aquaculture-origin and wild grass carp in the Great Lakes using ploidy and otolith stable oxygen isotope (δ18O) data. We inferred natal river and dispersal from natal location for wild grass carp usingAuthorsGregory W. Whitledge, Duane Chapman, John Farver, Seth Herbst, Nicholas E. Mandrak, Jeffrey G. Miner, Kevin L. Pangle, Patrick KočovskýValidation of the model-predicted spawning area of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella in the Sandusky River
Spawning of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, in the Great Lakes basin was verified when eight fertilized eggs were collected in the Sandusky River, a tributary to Lake Erie, in 2015. Using a fluvial drift model (FluEgg) and simulation modeling, researchers predicted the fertilization location for those eggs was 3.8 ± 1 km (95% credible interval, CI) downstream of Ballville Dam. In June 2018, sAuthorsPatrick Kočovský, Nicole R. King, Eric Weimer, Christine Mayer, Song S. QianTests in a semi-natural environment suggest that bait and switch strategy could be used to control invasive Common Carp
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758), is a highly invasive species that has had profound effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Many Carp management methods have been applied including physical removal, pesticide treatments of whole lakes, and water drawdowns. Herein, we tested key elements of a potential “bait and switch” approach in which corn could be used to induce feeding aggAuthorsPeter J Hundt, Jon Amberg, Blake W. Sauey, Kristen Vacura, Przemyslaw G. BajerAquatic invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay drainage—Research-based needs and priorities of U.S. Geological Survey partners and collaborators
Executive SummaryThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is revising the Chesapeake Bay-based science plan to align it with recent U.S. Department of Interior and USGS science priorities that include, as stated in the plan, providing “an integrated understanding of the factors affecting fish habitat, fish health, and landscape conditions” in Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. A report of partner agenciesAuthorsChristine L. DensmoreDevelopmental ecomorphology of the epibranchial organ of the silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Silver carp regularly consume and digest particles of food as small as 5 μm. This ability drives their efficient consumption of phytoplankton and because they feed low on the food chain they have an important place in aquaculture worldwide. In North America, where they are considered invasive, silver carp deplete food resources for native species and in so doing occupy increased niche space. Here,AuthorsKarly E. Cohen, Amy E. George, Duane Chapman, John H. Chick, L. Patricia HernandezEvaluating the potential role of bioactive chemicals on the distribution of invasive Asian carp upstream and downstream from river mile 278 in the Illinois waterway
Two non-native carp species have invaded the Illinois Waterway and are a threat to Great Lakes ecosystems. Poor water quality in the upper Illinois Waterway, may be a factor contributing to the stalling of the carp population front near river mile 278. In 2015, the U.S. Geological Survey collected 4 sets of water samples from two sites upstream and 4 sites downstream from river mile 278, and one tAuthorsWilliam A. Battaglin, James J. Duncker, Paul J. Terrio, Paul M. Bradley, Larry Barber, Laura A. DeCiccoUsing decision analysis to collaboratively respond to invasive species threats: A case study of Lake Erie grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Decisions about invasive species control and eradication can be difficult because of uncertainty in population demographics, movement ecology, and effectiveness of potential response actions. These decisions often include multiple stakeholders and management entities with potentially different objectives, management priorities, and jurisdictional authority. We provide a case study of using multi-pAuthorsKelly F. Robinson, Mark R. DuFour, Michael Jones, Seth Herbst, Tammy Newcomb, James C. Boase, Travis O. Brenden, Duane Chapman, John M. Dettmers, James Francis, Travis Hartman, Patrick Kočovský, Brian Locke, Jeff Tyson, Christine Mayer"Modified Unified Method" of carp capture
Populations of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (silver carp) and Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (bighead carp), (together referred to herein as “bigheaded carp”) have increased exponentially in the greater Mississippi River Basin. Detrimental effects on native fish and economically important fisheries have occurred where these invasive, filter-feeding fish are abundant. The Unified Method, a harvest technAuthorsDuane ChapmanUSGS Illinois River monitoring and evaluation
Asian carp monitoring and contract removal will continue throughout the Upper Illinois Waterway system as needed for adaptive management to mitigate, control, and contain Asian carp. Compiling data from monitoring and removal efforts into a centralized database (Illinois River Catch Database application) facilitates data standardization, quality, accessibility, sharing, and analysis to aid in AsiaAuthorsTravis J. Harrison, Kevin D. Hop, Enrika Hlavacek, Brent C. KnightsAsian carp population modeling to support an adaptive management framework
This Monitoring and Response Plan provides the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) with updates on FWS and USGS modeling efforts for the Spatially Explicit Asian carp Population (SEAcarP) model. For FY2020, efforts are underway to parameterize and analyze the SEAcarP model. Themes: invasive species; Asian carp; Great Lakes.AuthorsJahn L. Kallis, Richard A. Erickson, Mark W. FrittsBiomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Columbia River Basin
This project examined and analyzed 560 fish representing eight species from 16 sites in the Columbia River Basin (CRB) from September 1997 to April 1998. Ten of the 16 sampling locations were historical National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program (NCBP) sites where organochlorine and elemental contaminants in fish had been monitored from 1969 through 1986. Five sites were co-located at U.S. GeologiAuthorsJo Ellen Hinck, Christopher J. Schmitt, Timothy M. Bartish, Nancy D. Denslow, Vicki Blazer, Patrick J. Anderson, James J. Coyle, Gail M. Dethloff, Donald E. TillittBiomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program: Environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Rio Grande Basin
We collected, examined, and analyzed 368 fish of seven species from 10 sites in the Rio Grande Basin (RGB) during late 1997 and early 1998. Four sites were National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program (NCBP) stations where organochlorine ad elemental contaminants in fish had been monitored from 1969 and through 1986. The other six were USGS-National Stream Quantity Accounting Network (NASQAN) statioAuthorsChristopher J. Schmitt, Gail M. Dethloff, Jo Ellen Hinck, Timothy M. Bartish, Vicki Blazer, James J. Coyle, Nancy D. Denslow, Donald E. Tillitt - Software
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